Hotel Review: Aliya Resort and Spa in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

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The tranquil Aliya Resort and Spa is inspired by Sri Lanka’s favourite wild resident, the elephant, after which it is named. This majestic animal is beautifully represented in many different forms throughout the reception areas, the bedrooms, and the hotel grounds.

They are a common sight in the safari parks nearby. And you may see one wandering down the road outside the hotel as there are still some in private ownership in Sri Lanka.

Part of the Thema Collection of hotels this resort comprises several accommodation blocks, an elevated reception, bar and restaurant and several outbuildings. These include AyurVie, the Ayurveda Spa, the Whispering Yoga Hut, a pottery workshop and the Recycling Centre where they make cute souvenir elephants from recycled paper. Extensive forested and cultivated grounds surround these buildings.

A central feature is a large outdoor infinity pool. From here guests can view the forested landscape and the mountain peaks beyond.

Who for

Singles, couples, families and groups looking for a holiday that includes in-house activities, a chance to explore the locality on foot or e-bike and the chance to watch sunrise and sunset over Sri Lanka’s most iconic attraction, Sigiriya Rock.

Accommodation

Ninety-six rooms occupy small accommodation blocks spread around the grounds offering Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Attic Rooms and Suites. All the rooms have balconies, some overlooking the gardens and some offering a view of the stunning Sigiriya Rock. These rooms have a rustic charm in keeping with their natural surroundings but are equipped with modern facilities.

The Deluxe Rooms are ideal for families with a double bed in the main bedroom and two more beds in the connecting attic. Some rooms feature special Ofuro bathtubs (extra deep soaking baths) instead of normal bathtubs.

All the rooms include a pictorial homage to the elephant and unique headboards that display words of a pal kavi or village folk song said to scare the elephants away from the crops at harvest time. This is an important part of Sri Lankan culture.

Food and Drink

There are four dining venues at the Aliya Resort. Migara is the main restaurant and bar. Overlooking the gardens, infinity pool and beyond is a lovely place to enjoy a traditional cinnamon tea, a coffee or a cocktail. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes, some buffet-style and some freshly cooked. In the Alaka Restaurant guests will find a menu offering Sri Lankan and other Asian dishes as well as some Western dishes infused with island spices. The Nagual Restaurant focuses on the local cuisine reflecting the culinary heritage of Sri Lanka. Flavours of China are on the menu at the Makara Restaurant in a Chinese-inspired setting.

Facilities

A central feature of Aliya Resort is a large outdoor infinity pool. Health and well-being are a priority at the AyurVie an Ayurvedic Spa in the grounds of the resort. This spa offers a range of holistic ayurvedic treatments, including herbal oil treatments, facial treatments and herbal baths. To complement these treatments there’s complimentary meditation and yoga sessions for guests. An Ayurvedic doctor is available for advice regarding suitable treatment and massages.

A Re-Cycling Centre may not sound like a facility but guests are invited here to see how the resort uses paper waste from all the hotels in the Thema Collection to create new products including luggage labels and cute souvenir elephants.

Another unusual facility is the pottery workshop where guests can watch an expert potter displaying his skills on the potters’ wheel and then have a go themselves.

Nature walks and bird-watching trails around the grounds and water lily carpeted lake are also available here accompanied by the resident naturalists. Guests will be amazed at the variety of birds here and the clouds of butterflies in the Butterfly Garden. For the more active there is a gymnasium, badminton courts and e-bikes are available.

How much

The lowest price at Aliya Resort and Spa typically starts at $130 USD for a Deluxe Room, although this rate can vary based on factors such as seasonality and occupancy levels.

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What’s nearby?

Aliya Resort and Spa occupies a site inside the famous Cultural Triangle that includes the ancient town of Sigiriya the Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala and national parks where Sri Lankan elephants roam freely.

Sigiriya is the most visited cultural heritage in Sri Lanka. An ancient Rock Fortress sits on top of the Sigiriya Rock. Here, visitors can wander through the remains of palaces, gardens, waterways and view frescoes after entering through the mouth of an enormous carved lion from which the rock takes its name. Pidurangala Rock is also very popular due to its proximity to the Sigiriya Rock. A hike to the top of this rock to watch the sun rising over the magnificent panorama surrounding it is a popular excursion.

Other local attractions include three national parks, Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Eco Park all populated by the Sri Lankan elephant and a huge variety of birds. Jeep safaris are available through all these parks. Experts from the team at the Aliya Resort and Spa will organise these safaris and accompany their guests. The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery and Nature Reserve is an ancient sanctuary founded during the first century BC. Unique flora and fauna endemic to this region can be seen amid historic ruins and rock inscriptions. Thalkote Lake is also close by offering boat excursions and a visit to a local village.

VERDICT:

The Aliya Resort and Spa is so much more than delightful holiday accommodation in the heart of Sri Lanka. Their team of experts are on hand to organise a wide variety of interesting activities, some complimentary, to keep guests occupied throughout their stay and immersed in the local history, culture and nature.

Address: Aliya Resort & Spa (Pvt) Ltd, Audangawa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

Also read:

• Top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka
• When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka